Week one, done!

So I mentioned I was starting another challenge. It's 30 days. The first couple of days I did Jillian Michael's Shred video. It's a great workout. It's only 20 minutes, and it combines strength training, cardio, and abs. I did level 2 for the first 2 days then I did level 1 the following day. The only problem I have with the video is if you do level one every day, you are doing the same moves every day. So I started thinking about that, and I have been following the bodyrock.tv workouts. I have been too afraid to try them. Then I decided to just try it, what did I have to lose, other than weight? So Tuesday I started out with The Ass busting workout. WOW My throat was on fire, I could barely breathe, my shoulders were on fire. It was awesome! Wednesday I did the marine-corps-workout from BodyRock.tv.  This as INTENSE! I'm hooked! Plus if I can get even a little bit close to loking like Zuzana, then Hell yes! On to Thursday... I did another BR workout. legs-cardio-challenge it's amazing what a chair can do! My legs were like jello. Trying to climb the stairs from the basement was difficult. I still loved it! Friday I did another of Zuzana and Freddy's workouts, the  legs-on-fire-exercise-challenge was appropriately named!  Today I did new-300-rep-workout then I ate a bunch of crap food and felt guilty, so I did Jillian Michaels after the kids went to bed. It's been a great week! I'm going to try to be a bit more on top of things blog wise. So 7 days down 23 to go! (but the plan is to not stop, and then ultimately look INCREDIBLE in a bikini, then OUTSTANDING in a wedding dress! Good plan huh?

Before pictures

Pictures? Done.

Measurements?


Bust = 35"
Chest = 31 1/2"
Hips = 39 "
Waist= 29"
*edited because I'm a mess. My hips are certainly NOT 29" lol*

Thigh = 23 1/2"

Bicep = 11"
Calves = 14"


OK so my goal is to lose a couple of inches off the hip and thigh area, and tone everywhere. I want definition.
The challenge starts on Jan 30th and goes to Feb 28th. I'm ready!

New Challenge (yes, again)

     It is that time of year again, when bikini season approaches, and there is still time to get that body I so desire. So yet again I take on another challenge. This time it is a 30 day shred challenge. Basically it is a "work out for 20 minutes a day for 30 days" challenge. I have a 3 month membership to a gym, so there should be no excuses for me to not be able to complete this challenge. While I am still attempting to train for a marathon that is coming up in April, this will be an added bonus. I will also be posting before pictures and measurements. Since there is only one or two readers on this blog I don't really care if you see my less than fabulous, made entirely by cookies, body. In fact I think it helps hold me more accountable if I post pictures. I've been using an app on my android phone that is a huge help (when I use it) with counting calories, and keeping track of what I eat. My fitness pal is easy to use. You can input your weight and how much you want to lose, gain, or maintain, then it gives you a calorie count for the day. You can choose your calorie count, or let it assign one depending on your goals. You can use the barcode scanner to enter your foods, or type them into a search box. As you enter in your foods it counts down your calories. I LOVE that it counts them down, for some reason this is so much easier for me. You can also enter in your exercise and it will update your calories. I've had a hard time trying to figure out how to manage running and exercising and how much I should be eating. This seems to make sense and help me keep track of how much I should be eating with my workouts. 
     On Thursday I have a meeting with a personal trainer for an introduction to the gym. I wonder if they will do a body fat analysis. I have never had one done, and I am very curious what my percentage is currently. So with new measurements, new pictures, and a new challenge I officially start my bikini season countdown.

Half marathon!

I ran my first half marathon! It was great! The course was a bit loopy, but all in all it was a nice run. I ran with my friend Melinda and we made good time. We stopped to pee half way through and also stopped for some photos. My knee is a bit wonky after all the "rolling hills" and I am resting up for my second half marathon on Sunday. Wish me luck that my knee holds up!

Test

Just trying out a new app.

My uniform... and wish list

I had a whole entry typed about how my weekend runs have been great and our long runs have increased to 11 miles. Although the two of you that read this have already read it on Daily Mile I'm sure. lol So Sunday I come home from my run and Uptown was awake. Usually he is still asleep cause he works until 3AM on weekends. I walk in the door and pass the couch and am heading upstairs and he says "Why are you dressed like an anime character?" I laughed (and secretly loved the comment) I explained to him why I was wearing a hodgepodge of clothing. It's too cold for just my running skirt, so I layer with the pants. I would wear just the pants, but they don't have pockets. I need a pocket to carry my phone. I am too cold to wear just one long sleeved shirt, so I wear a raspberry shirt layered with a shiny blue tight sweatshirt. (Think speed skater) I'll take a picture later and you can get the full effect. I have exactly one skirt that has acceptable pockets, two shirts that work, so basically I wash my running "uniform" every night. I am hoping that for Christmas Uptown decided to expand my running wardrobe. I am lusting after several items. Want to know what they are? Of course you do!All of these are from SkirtSports

Love!

Item #2

I NEED these! Size Small please.

OK since it is not safe to run in all black clothing I think I should also get...

Of course it would only take two seconds for me to spill coffee on this and ruin it.

Anyway I love the clothes at this site! So Uptown if you are reading this... there is my wish list.

What are your favorite running stores/clothes. I love spending time drooling over clothes. Send me some links!

When do you run/workout?

Heading out for a 6 mile run. I feel a cold coming on. I really wish I had gotten my run done with this morning. Do you prefer to run in the AM afternoon or PM? I use to workout in the evening.. before bed, but now it's first thing in the AM.
off to get 6 miles done.